ZAMBOANGA CITY -Some 600 individuals, including local candidates, have joined the unity walk and peace covenant signing Thursday in Lamitan City, Basilan. The activity, which was initiated by Maj. Nurhaib Bungkac, Lamitan police chief, is in support of the efforts at making the May 9 polls safe, peaceful, and orderly. The unity walk started around 8:30 a.m. from Datu Kalun Park downtown to the city coliseum followed by a simple program. The signing of the peace covenant and manifesto by local candidates and other stakeholders for the 2022 National and Local Elections Integrity Pledge and Pledge of Commitment highlighted the unity walk. "The event was similar to a blood compact, which requires parties to respect the agreement regardless of the circumstances," Bungkac said in a statement. The covenant signing indicated that candidates agreed to refrain from any actions that could threaten the ballot's sanctity; to promote a safe, clean, healthy, and wholesome environment du